The new Wifi module for the Waspmote platform enables sensor nodes to send gathered data to Web servers in the Cloud and to any Smartphone device - without the need for a special gateway, easing the deployment of sensor networks.

Zaragoza, Spain – February 27th, 2012 - Libelium, a technology leader in wireless sensor networks for Smart Cities solutions announces the launch of the new Wifi module for the Waspmote sensor platform. The new radio module adds an extra layer of intelligence to the nodes allowing them to send the collected data to any web server in the Cloud. The Wifi sensor nodes will also be capable of sending data to any iPhone or Android device nearby by creating direct links with them.

This Wifi radio extends the possibilities of The Internet of Things to iPhone / Android apps developers as it completes the current connectivity possibilities - already covered by ZigBee, Bluetooth and 3G/GPRS –, allowing for the first time direct communications between the sensors and the smartphones even without an intermediate router.

Libelium’s new Wifi sensors enable system integrators to easily create intelligent monitoring systems for the urban environment. Libelium’s CTO David Gascón says, “Now sensor nodes can connect directly to Cloud servers using a standard protocol such as HTTP”. He adds, ”This is a milestone to ensure a quick spread of Internet of Things applications since sensor devices may connect automatically to existing Wifi networks deployed in cities or even to our own home routers making new deployments an easy task”.

These new Wifi sensors are also capable of using the secure version of the standard web protocol -HTTPS- ensuring the privacy of the information sent, a major concern when deploying wireless sensor networks in cities. They can also create TCP and UDP connections enabling developers to design their own communication framework between the sensor nodes and the Cloud servers.

Libelium provides an intuitive and open source programming API and complete documentation with examples in order to help developers to easily start working with the platform. Demo applications for iPhone and Android are also available for free, in order to easily test the new Wifi sensor capabilities from any Smartphone.